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3.5 - Two-Source Interference - Powerpoint
3.5 - Two-Source Interference - Powerpoint
Waves
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Superposition
When two waves meet whilst travelling
through the same medium, they interact and
superimpose.
The net
amplitude of
the resulting
wave is the
sum of the
amplitudes of
the individual
waves.
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Constructive Interference
Constructive interference is when waves
superimpose to create a larger oscillation.
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In Phase
When peaks line up
with peaks and
troughs line up with
troughs, waves are
said to be in phase.
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Out of Phase
When peaks line up
with troughs, waves
are out of phase -
they cancel each
other out
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Path Difference = (n+½)λ
L1 L2
Regions of quiet are heard when waves from Trough meets Crest
L1 travel half a wavelength further (or
shorter) than waves from L2.
L1 L2
Regularly spaced loud and quiet regions are a result of the path
difference between the waves from both sources, causing
constructive and destructive interference.
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Wavefront Diagram
Consider two coherent waves travelling through a double slit:
• Constructive interference
takes place in a straight line,
causing a maxima on the
screen.
• Destructive interference
takes place on either side,
causing minima on the
screen.
• This pattern repeats
outwards, causing an
interference pattern.
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Young’s Double Slits
• Thomas Young performed a version
of an interference experiment with
light at the beginning of the 19th
century.
• He was unable to find a two
coherent sources, so used a single
slit to ensure coherence.
• The waves emerging from the
double slit were from the same
source and hence coherent.
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Interference of Light
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Young’s Double Slit Formula
Young deduced that it is possible to find the wavelength of any
wave using the following formula:
Where:
λ = wavelength of the wave
a = spacing between double slits
x = spacing between fringes
D = distance from slits to screen.
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Interference of Light
Question
a = 1mm = 1x10-3m
x = 7mm = 7x10-3m
D = 10.5m